How to Be a Good Person

We live in a world in which basic values such as kindness, arrogance and compassion are not often given the importance they are due. In the media, selfish and arrogant behavior patterns are often glorified. It is also common for people to get so caught up in day-to-day responsibilities andpersonal insecurities, that they lose sight of their goals for personal development. Recovering your sense of integrity, or goodness, begins with identifying your personal values. Goodness is the first step to success and happiness. We can often turn to religion for guidance, but ultimately we should learn to define our own morals ourselves. One of the simplest ways to do so is to love others, and treat them as you would like to be treated. Try to think of others before yourself. Even doing small things daily will greatly enrich and improve your life, and the lives of others around you. To be a good person is not easy because you have to believe in people and people you cannot see.

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Identify what it is that being a good person means to you personally. Some people think that being a good person is as simple as not doing harm to another, but it is not always about what you don't do, but what you do for others. You might not be a bad person, but are you a good person?

• Who do you look up to and why? How are they making the world a better place to live in, and how can you do the same?
• What qualities do you admire in them, and how can you develop the same ones?
• Keep your role model close to you, like a friendly spirit that is always at your side. Think how they would respond to a question or circumstance, and how they would respond in the same manner.
• Think of ways that you can better embody these qualities you admire. Think of how to apply those qualities in your work, creative pursuits, personal relationships, diet and lifestyle.

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   Try to look at the bright side of things. The Motto of the Christophers says: "It is better to light a single candle than it is to curse the darkness." Be that light. When you see controversy, try to be the one who changes the subject by suggesting a solution. Don't state what you would do, but ask everyone to get involved.
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   Accept everyone around you as your brothers and sisters no matter what race, age, sexual orientation, or culture. Realize that we have feelings, and should be treated with respect.
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   Don't try to correct people when they're angry by saying something irrational, just look with compassion and remain quiet. Saying 'I understand' is usually the wrong answer. If you say anything at all, just say, "I'm sorry you feel this way, is there anything I can do to help?"
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   Stop comparing others with yourself. Try to understand that some have it better than you in life, but at the same time, many have it much worse. When we make ourselves miserable by comparing ourselves with others, we are wasting time and energy that we could use in building our own inner resources. Real life is found in using our owngifts and talents rather than over focusing on the gifts of another.
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   Every day, try to do an act of charity for some one else, even if it's something small. Even reach out to people who have been cold or indifferent to you. An act of kindness and generosity can go a long way.
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   Be respectful of elderly people. Realize that you will be old some day and may need a helping hand. Next time you go to a mall, parking lot, or anywhere, focus your vision all around, look for an old person struggling with something, like carrying bags or loading groceries into their car. Say, "May I help you with that?" You will be doing a great service for seniors. Sometimes you may get one who is crabby or distrustful, and will refuse your offer, then simply say, "I understand, and I wish you a good day." Don't give up at this point, and keep up looking for a person that will accept your offer. Realize the elderly can have vision, hearing, or even dementia problems, so you may need to gesture with your hands as if carrying or loading. Go to a park and take a brisk walk, and if you see an old person alone, say hello with a gentle smile, and ask how they are doing, just acknowledging someone is only proper, and can make their day. Try to imagine losing your spouse whom you enjoyed and loved for many years, only to be left alone in the big world all by yourself. By developing this attitude of love and understanding for the gentle things of life, like the elderly, you be on your way to the true meaning of life and sharing, and you will become a better person.
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   Be compassionate towards mentally challenged people for they are people with feelings too, and they are brothers and sisters as well. Act as if life is just a chance, and you could have been born the same way, and if you were, how you would want to be treated. They too have a sense of feeling, so give them a big smile, and show loving compassion with your eyes. Be careful not to touch them though, because this can scare them. If other people are around that are smiling or laughing with your interaction with them, ignore them and keep your attention on your brother or sister that is your true friend.
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   Compliment friends whom you might be jealous of, and people you don't know as well as you would like to. Giving credit where due is only respectful, and you would want the same respect for an achievement you've accomplished.
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   Be a better listener than talker. Follow what the person is saying, and confirm this with a follow up question on the topic, then they will know that you're paying attention to them.
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